Economic diversity and an intergenerational appeal are helping Marathon County play to a younger‚ better-educated audience than many other mid-sized‚ mid-American cities.
Wausau's rich and varied economy encompasses industry leaders in papermaking, lumber, insurance, fine Wisconsin cheese and other agricultural products. Recreation abounds here too, with sports, parks and the popular Rib Mountain, a scenic setting in the spring and summer as well as a skiing/snowboarding mecca come wintertime. Rounding out the cultural spectrum are a flourishing arts scene, carefully preserved historic districts and a variety of nightlife spots that range from music venues to local pubs.